UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband has strongly condemned anti Islam propaganda being launched in Europe in the name of freedom of expression.

We strongly denounce the anti Islam propaganda blitz being unleashed in Europe in the name of freedom of expression", he said this while addressing a joint press conference here Monday in foreign office along with his Pakistani counter part foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

He expressed concern over presence of Al-Qaeda on Pak-Afghan borders saying there are reports of presence of Al-Qaeda operatives on Pak-Afghan borders and tribal areas of Pakistan. "We are fighting war against terrorism in collaboration with Pakistan. It is essential reconciliation process be taken forward with those persons who want peace. But it does not mean any space be created for the terrorists, he added.
"I am visiting Pakistan being a friend of Pakistan. Return of democracy in Pakistan and ongoing reconciliation process among three major political parties is not only vital but is also very critical for the development of Pakistan During my visit to Pakistan I have met with the president, prime minister and all the leaders of political parties and the talks remained very fruitful", he underlined.

UK is supportive of readmission of Pakistan into Common wealth and it wants Pakistan plays pro-active role again being key member of this body, he held.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said both Pakistan and UK had complete unanimity of views on the matters related to regional peace and security, war on terror and cooperation in economic field.

He made it clear resolution of Afghanistan issue was must for the sake of regional security.
Extremism is common issue for both Pakistan and Britain, he said adding the issue could be addressed through reconciliation and adoption of multifaceted strategy at political, economic and military level. Efforts were underway for the development of tribal areas, he told.

Malaysia and UK had assured their support on the issue of Pakistan re-entry into commonwealth, he informed. Pakistan is desirous of joining commonwealth as early as possible and the matter was discussed in details with Malaysian foreign minister during his recent visit to Pakistan who had assured full cooperation from his country in this respect.
About composite dialogue process between Pakistan and India he said 4th phase of the talks would be very crucial as all the important issues including Kashmir will come under discussion. Indian foreign minister and foreign secretary will visit Pakistan on May, 21 in this connection, he told.

Earlier, Visiting British Foreign Secretary David Miliband met President Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi respectively on Monday.

Well-placed Sources told media that the meeting lasted for quite a while in which host of issues came under discussion with special focus on war on terror, Pak-UK relations, matters relating to New Government and other bilateral matters were discussed in length.
President Musharraf during his meeting with David Miliband made it clear that Pakistan will not allow any foreign country to use its soil for their own gains adding that Pakistan will continue to play its due role in war against terror.

The President stated that the Government of Pakistan would continue to confront extremism and terrorism in all its forms through a broad-based approach combining military, political and economic strategies.

Mr. Miliband praised Pakistan’s pivotal role in the fight against extremism and terrorism and expressed full support for Pakistan’s broad strategy to confront this menace.
Mr. Miliband congratulated the President on the transition to democracy in Pakistan. The President briefed the British Foreign Secretary on political developments since the elections which had been held in a peaceful and fair manner and which had thrown up a democratic dispensation in accordance with the wishes of the Pakistani people.

Pakistan’s ties with Afghanistan also came under review including the Jirga process and the improved atmosphere in relations between the two neighbours. Mr. Miliband underlined a strong Pakistan-Afghanistan partnership in order to confront the many problems besetting the region.
Among the other issues that were discussed included Pakistan-India relations. The British Foreign Secretary thanked the President for the meeting and underlined strong British support for Pakistan’s well being, progress and prosperity.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani while talking to David Miliband said that Pakistan wants strong and stable relations with Britain.

He said both countries share cordial relations in fields of common interest urging they have same stance on war against terror.

PM told British Foreign Secretary David Miliband that terrorism is an International issue urging the need for joint and extensive efforts to wipe off the menace.

Prime Minister briefed the visiting British Foreign Secretary David Miliband that after holding of smooth Elections on February 18, democratic set up has been established in Pakistan.

He said that new Government has already announced its first 100 days program, which is pivotal for the country’s welfare in this regard.

He said that force is no solution to any issue as it makes matters worst and complicated stressing the need for a process of comprehensive dialogue to settle thorny issues.

British Foreign Secretary David Miliband also met his counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

Source: Pak Tribune

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